How Gift of Life Works

The typical sequence of events for a Gift of Life program is as follows:

1. Traditionally, we have been contacted by Rotary Clubs and Districts throughout the world that become aware of children in need of heart surgery. These children have been identified by local physicians as suffering from congenital heart defects.
2. We can help children in two ways. First, we may arrange for them to be flown to the United States where a volunteer team of medical professionals performs the necessary life-saving surgery. Alternately, we may arrange for Gift of Life affiliated hospitals, medical centers and healthcare professionals throughout the world to treat them. The latter practice reduces the need for extensive travel for our children and their families.
3. To date, Gift of Life programs around the world have brought life-saving heart surgery to more than 12,000 children.